IV7 



LAROLA 



By 
HELEN L. WILLCOX 




Misvsionary Education Movement of the 
United States and Canada 

156 Fifth A\enue New York 

cHHo 



EDITORS NOTE 

Most of the action of ' Larola" is based upon fact. The 
relations between Larola and the Professor, and the suttee of 
the Professor's mother, as described in the play, are founded 
upon a true series of occurrences, the account of which may 
be found in India: Its Life and Thought by John P. Jones ( page 
259). The story of Lela and her part in the plot are fictitious. 



COPYRIGHT, 1917, BV 

MISSIONARY EDUCATION MO\'EMENT OF THE 

UNITED STATES AND CANADA 



JUL 14 1917 



©CI.D 47341 

Price, 25 cents each, prepaid. 

It is suggested that at least eight copies be secured to supply 
the participants. 



n^. J , 






'^^ LAROLA 



PERSONS OF THE PLAY 

(//( ilic order of their appearance.) 

Ei.iNOR Daggett, wife of the missionary 

Walter Daggett, an American missionarj- in Palinovv 

Nanak, a servant in the Mission 

Marna, a Hindu Bible woman from Chaibassa; an old friend 

of Larola 
Lakola, a widow of Chaibassa 
Lela, a young Brahman woman ; wife of Chunder Mohan, who 

has become a Christian ; a near neighbor of the 

missionaries 
Pkofessor Binder Sex, of the General Assembly College, in 

Calcutta ; a friend of the missionaries 
A Brahman Woman, a neighbor of the missionaries 



Scene : The living room, of the mission bungaloiv at Palinow 
in Bengal, India. There are three doors; one at 
right back, leading to the outside door; one at left 
front, leading to Walter Daggett's study; and one 
at left back, leading to the inner parts of the house. 
There is a zi'i)ido'zu at right. A table, on which are 
books and magazines, occupies the center of the room. 
Near it, at right front, is an easy chair. The furni- 
ture and ornaments should suggest India. There may 
be rich hangings on the walls, and an embroidered 
Indian cloth throicn over the table. 

Elinor Daggett sits in the ea^y chair, right front. 
reading. Presently she drops her book in her lap 
and gazes dreamily into the distance. 

Walter Daggett enters, left front. He is dressed 
for the street and carries a sun hat. 



\\'alter 
You — idle? — Sad? What is it. Elinor? 

Elinor 
Oh, Walter, I am thinking of that wife 
Of Chunder Mohan's! What a choice is hers! 
If loval to her husliand. she becomes 
As dead to all her family, all her caste; 
And if she yields to their entreaties — then 
Her husband mu«t become as dead to her ! 

W^alter 
Her pir)1)lem is not hers alone; no Brahman 
Ever yet has come to Chr-st whose wife 
Had not to choose between her husband and — 
Her world. 

Elinor 
But Lela is so young! 



LAROLA 

Walter 



I know. 



She seems a child. 



Elinor 
I wish that I could help ! 



Walter 
You love her, Elinor, and that is much. 

Elinor 
(After a slight pause.) 
You go to meet Professor Binder Sen? 

Walter 
(Nodding assent.) 
It may be that he knows the youth; 'twas in 
Calcutta Chunder Mohan found the truth. 

Elinor 
Calcutta ! True — I had forgotten that. 
Oh, let us ask, him! I should like to know 
The husband worthy, 'ere I urge the wife. 

Nanak 
(Appearing at door, right back.) 
The Bible woman from Chaibassa waits. 

Elinor 
Bid her come in, Nanak. 

(To I Falter.) 

Good-by, my dear. 

W^alter 
Good-b\-. We shall be here in half an hour. 
(Walter goes out, right hack. Elinor rises and puts away her 
book. Mama enters, right back, evidently excited. She 
salaams hastily.) 

Marna 
Me)n Sahib may recall — I told you of 
A Brahman widow in Chaibassa who 
Was very near decision for the Christ? 

Elinor 
You mean — Larola? Has she — ? 

Marna 

She has come ! 
Elinor 
"But what will happen, Marna? Is she safe? 

Marna 
Her safety lies in flight, Mem Sahib. Watched, 
And closely watched, for many a year, her fate, 
If found in open avowal of her faith, 
\\'ould be severe. 

Elinor 
(Eagerly.) 
Will she come here, to us? 
Marna 
Mem Sahib, she is not like others ! She 
Has read and thought and studied deeply. 



LAROLA 

Elinor 



^^'here is she, Mania? 



But 



Marna 
I may bring her in? 

Elinor 
Yes, yes, if she is here ! Risk no delay ! 

Marna 
(Starling to go and turning back.) 
Professor Binder Sen — he comes to-day? 

Elinor 
The Sahib has just gone to meet him now. 
You know him, Marna? 

Marna 
Many years ago — 
(She breaks off suddenly and goes out, right back. Nanak 
enters quietly, but evidently suppressing some excitement. 
He looks out of the zvindow, then turns to Elinor.) 

Nanak 
jNIem Sahib, people come by scores, on foot, 
And in their bullock carts, to see the rites 
Performed at Chunder Mohan's funeral. 

Elinor 
His funeral! Nanak! He is not dead? 

Nanak 
Not dead in body. Dead in soul — to all 
Good Brahmans. 

Elinor 
Ah I poor Lela ! Then it is 
Her fatal day of choice! And I can do 
No more. 

(Marna enters, follo^ved by Larola, the zvidoiv of Chaibassa. 
Nanak slips out.) 

Elinor 
(Going to Larola and taking her hand.) 
My sister, in the name of Christ 
I welcome you. May he console your heart 
For all that you forsake ! 

Larola 
I thank Mem Sahib 
Far more than I can say. But if to-day 
You'd meet my heart in truest sympathy. 
You must rejoice ! Forsaking pain, despair. 
Yearnings unutterable, and restless fears. 
I come. These to forsake demands no pity. 
It seemed to me the little birds along 
The way .sang paeans of victory, and all 
For me! Nay, not alone for me! For Christ, 
Because another soul is gathered in 
His hand. 

Flixok 
Indeed, we all rejoice. 
('Elinor leads Larola to a chair. .S'he and Marna also sit down.) 

And you 
Escaped detection in your flight? 



6 I.AROLA 

Larola 

It was 
The day of all days for our purpose, was 
It not, my faithful Marna ? Oh, Mem Sahib, 
If you but knew the loyalty and love 
With which she has surrounded, guided, and 
Encouraged me through all these days of doubt 
And struggle ! 

Elinor 
I have guessed somewhat. 

Larola 

The flight 
So feared and dreaded was no flight at all ! 
We left an empt}' bungalow where nought 
But lizards chirping to themselves about the walls 
Disturbed the silence of the rooms. Some feast — 
A family day— a birth — a wedding — how 
Should I, a widow, know the truth? It did 
Not matter w^iat the cause ; enough to know 
The house would be left empty, I alone. 
And Mania, always there when needed, came 
Upon the very day I heard the plans. 
For, though we have been friends by stealth since they 
Discovered Marna's change of faith, she seems 
To know more than myself of what they do. 

Marna 
There are some homes that do not shut me out — 
And people talk of what your family does. 

Lakola 
To her I whispered, "Lo, the hour has struck." 
And so, we also made our plans. While all 
The rest were climbing into bullock carts 
Before the gate, I waited anxiously 
Within the house for Marna, who at last 
Came breathlessly across the fields — 

Marna 

I saw 
The carts go by, from where I lay, behind 
Some bushes near the road. I knew 'twas safe. 

Elinor 
And then — you walked the distance? 

Larola 

No!-We hid 
Ourselves in a farmer's load of hay. He drove 
A horse, and so we made the journey in 
Three days. 

Marna 
And passed the others jolting on 
The road ! 

Larola 
Were they, too, bound for Palinow ? 

Elinor 
The only gathering of which I know 
In Palinow to-day is sad enough — 
The funeral of a man who is not dead ! 
(Marna looks anxiously toward Larola and speaks hastily 
if to zvard off further explanation). 



LAROI.A 7 

Perhaps they went beyond, to Sasseram. 
Or even to Benares. Cousins of 
Tlie family live there, do they not? 

Larola 
(Vaguely.) 
I do not know — T think so — I have not 
Been there. 

Elinor 
It is some months. I tliink. that you 
Have been considering tliis step? 

Larola 
(IVilh an effort.) 

Mem Sahib, 
Many a year ago I longed to come. 
I cannot tell j'ou how it happened that 
I knew the Christ. That time is too far off ! 
No. no — I mean it is too near ! I dare 
Not — tiinst not tell ! It would bring back the fire 
That only since I gave myself to Christ 
Has ceased to scorch my soul. 

(Lcla runs in and flirows herself at Elinor's feet.) 

Marna 
(Rising hastil\ as Lcla enters.) 
Oh! Lela! 
(Elinor rises and tries to lift the girl.) 

Lela 

I 
Am lost ! A widow ! I must shave my hair ! 
The}' say I must become a widow — shave 
'Sly head and dress in white — give up my jewels — 
They come from miles around to see the rites ! 
They say my lord is dead ! He is not dead ! 
(Larola has risen slozvly, seeming fascinated by Lela. Marna 
is watching her with interest and anxiety.) 

Elinor 
No, Lela! He is living — waiting for 
His faithful wife to join him — him. and Christ. 

Lela 
(Rising hopelessly ) 
Mem Sahib, they perform the funeral rites 
To-da}-. I ran away to say farewell 
To you. for nevermore shall you behold 
The Lela whom you loved. To-day my lord 
Becomes as dead to me and all my caste. 

Larol.\ 
(Starting foricard.) 
To all your caste, my daughter — that may be. 
But not to you — never to you, my child! 
Your husband — has become — a Christian? 

Lela 

Yes. 



8 LAROI.A 

Larola 
Come with him ! Listen ! 

(She .hesitates, looking intently at Lela.) 
Yes — to save your soul, 
I'll tear my heart from out its hiding-place! 
As many years ago as you have lived— 

(She hesitates again.) 
The fate that threatens you then came to me. 
The funeral rites performed, my head was shaved. 
My jewels torn away — but oh ! the gems 
They tore from off my arms and neck 
Were nothing to the treasure wrenched from out 
My heart ! My spirit died within me. 

Lela 
(Gazing into her eyes.) 
You — 
But now — you are alive. 

Larola 

Ah! Now — I live 
In Christ. But then — how can I make you know 
What you must suffer, if you do this thing? 
I saw his mother on the funeral pyre 
Of her dead lord give up her life with joy. 
In hope that they should meet in some hereafter. 
Many a time I've longed — yearned, sobbmg, for 
The flames about my bod}', so my soul 
Might join mj' lord's. 

Elinor 
But— 

Larola 

No, I know they will 
Not let us do it now. And they are right ! 
And yet my wish was innocent enough. 
The blackness of the pit came afterwards! 
He married. Then I knew that in my charred 
And shriveled soul there lingered life enough 
To hate. I wished her dead, at first, but that 
Soon grew to be too ea.sy an escape. 
He was a rare, a wondrous soul ; I hoped 
At first, she could not understand and would 
Not love him. Then my soul descended deep 
And deeper into hell. I wished that she 
Might suffer what I suffered then throughout 
Eternity. I wished that even while 
She loved him, she might know my soul possessed 
His soul forever. 

Elinor 
(Mar7'eling and speaking almost unconsciously.) 
You thought that? 

Larola 

Ah ! yes, 
I know, you think that is not Hindu. There 
Are things in human hearts that burn beneath 
All creeds the world around. 

Lela 

^'ou^ husband? Is 
He dead? 



LAROLA 

Larola 
He still is living — but of him 
I cannot speak. 

Elixor 

You had no child? 
Larola 



Yes, one- 



Born after he had left us. But it died. 
They said it was a girl; and 1 rejoiced 
Then, and for years thereafter, that it had 
Escaped the life of woman on this earth. 
But now — ah, well! — to have a child, to love- 
A daughter of my own, to teach, to lead 
Into the life that's hid with Christ in God — 
I have not dreamed a dream more wonderful. 

Elinor 
(Softly.) 
Xor I. 

Lela 
(Gazing at Larola) 
To have had vou for a mother ! 



Larola 



No, 



]\Iy child, I was not worthy then to be 

Entrusted with its little soul. At first, 

I hoped that she — that other one — would have 

No child! But afterwards — 'twas strange!—! heard, 

From time to time, news of that other home— 

Marna has been there. When no children came, 

I hated her the most of all for that! 

Lela 
Ah ! Then you never knew true jealousy ! 

Larola 
My child, true love is deeper, stronger than 
The fiercest jealousy. It cannot be, 
I think, that many souls, here even in 
Our hot and passionate East, have suffered blasts 
More withering in their heat of jealous hate 
Than mine has bowed to, in those earlier }ears. 
But love — what is it? — how to make you see! — 
I tell you, the soul of the man is eternal joy! 
It cannot be God gave that life to end 
In one short cycle— three score years and ten ! 
God must have smiled when he had breathed that soul 
From out his universal life, to dwell 
In human form ! To see that spirit live 
Again — to know he had a son, who should 
Be like him— this desire is to think 
God's thought, and when it entered in, my heart 
Grew large and quiet, and the jealous fire 
Burned low and lower— but the change was slow. 
And — there was loneliness. 

Elinor 
(Both she aud Lela have been hushed and azced.) 
You never saw 
Him afterwards? 



10 LAROLA 

Larola 
Yes — once 1 saw him. But 
He did not know. 'Twas in a neighboring town — < 

A moment only — chance had brought me there. 
Marna and I had gone on errands for 
My family. It happened he had come 
To teach the people in the market-place. 
I passed within ten feet of where he stood. 
I saw him smile. It was as it had been 
Long years before, like sunlight bursting forth 
At close of a dark day. Since then it brings 
A little comfort that I know the warm, 
Enfolding smile still beams on others, though 
I see it not. 

Lela 
(Brokenly.) 
That would not comfort me! 

Larola 
Not now, my child. 

(With great tenderness.) 

And you will have no need. 
I trust, of such sad comfort. You will find 
Your peace more easily. 

A Voice 
(Calling, from ojf right.) 
Oh, Lela ! come ! 

Lela 
(Frightened.) 
My mother calls for me ! I had almost 
Forgot ! 

(To Larola.) 
Oh ! let me call you "mother" once, 
Before I go — 

Larola 
Before you go to say 
Farewell to her. Yes, now and afterwards, 
You may call me "mother," child. My little girl, 
If she had lived, w^ould be about your age. 

Lela 

But there will be no afterwards ! I dare 

Not break with her ! I've feared her all my life. 

She filled my mind with terrors. They would leave 

Me never, if I dared to break caste! No! 

The farewell is to you — 

(Turning to Elinor.) 

And you, Mem Sahib ! 

The Voice 
Lela! Lela! 

Lela 
(Starting up.) 

I must go I Farewell ! 
(She runs out. Elinor rises and starts forzcard, as if to foUoiv 
her.) 

Elinor 
Lela ! 

Larola 
(JJ'ith a strange, calm certainty.) 
Fear not ! She will come liack. 



I.AROLA 11 

Marna 

(In a low, tense voice.) 

She must! 
Elinor 
(Wondering and doubtful.) 
You think she will come hack? 

Larola 
(Quietly.) 

I know she will. 
Else why should God have brought me here to-day? 
Mem Sahib, this that I have told has lain 
For years entombed within my heart. I did 
Not think I should have broken that reserve 
For any one. But when I saw this girl, 
So young, so tender, so in love with life — 
And with her lord — so near to ruin, through 
The fears they practise on the innocent, 
I knew at last that all my life might hold 
Of joy or sorrow, passion or regret. 
Longing or hope— all, all belonged to Christ ! 
I could not give myself and keep tJiis back. 
Since what I am, I am because of this. 
I thought to crowd the past into the years 
Gone by; to make myself a new, free life 
Which should be Christ's indeed. It is not thus 
God builds a human soul. We do not live 
In fragments. And the death of hopes may be 
The burial of the grain, which preludes life. 

Marna 

(Who has been restlessly moving toward the door and looking 

out of the window.) 
Mem Sahib, shall I go to find some news 
Of what is passing at the other house? 

Elinor 
Oh, Marna, do ! — It may be they will let 
You in. If you can speak with Lela, say 
We will protect her — keep her here until 
Her husband can be sent for. 

Marna 

Yes, Mem Sahib. 
She has more reason than she knows to come. 
(She goes out hastily.) 

Elinor 
(Moving quickly after her.) 

You say ? 

(Seeing that Marna is gone, pausing.) 
I wonder what she meant by that. 
(She (masses behind Larola to the xvindow, at right, and stands 

looking out while she speaks the next words.) 
Oh — could we but delay the rites until 
Professor Binder Sen arrives ! He has 
Such power with the people. 

(Still looking from the window. Elinor does not perceive the 
effect of her words upon Larola, ivho rises zvith a start 
and shrinks, terror-stricken, azvay from Elinor, gazing at 
her in widc-cycd silence. Nanak appears at door, right 
back.) 



12 LAROLA 

Elinor 

Oh! Nanak! 

What is it? Have you news? 

(As Elinor steps back to speak zvith Xanak, she of course does 
not turn toivard Larola, and Nanak is too much excited 
to notice her evident fright. While Elinor and Nanak are 
speaking, Larola looks furtively about for a means of escape 
and finally tries the door of Waltei-^s study, right front. 
When she finds that it ivill open, she turns back to listen, 
leaning heavily on the door, as if about to fall.) 

Nanak 

They say the girl 
Resists] The servants heard her scream. She dare 
Not long delay ! 'Twill soon be over. Think ! 
Her caste, her vixen of a mother, priest. 
And all the town ! One girl against the lot ! 

Elinor 
No! Not one girl, for Christ is at her side, 
And all his love for India fights for her ! 
Is it not so — ? 

(She turns to appeal to Larola, and seeing her almost fainting 
at the study door, starts forivard in amazement and alarm.) 
What — what is wrong? You're ill! 

Larola 
(Turning from the door and trying to stand straight, but si^'ay- 

ing a little and speaking zvith great -difficulty.) 
No! I must go! But not the road! Is there 
A hidden path, behind the compound? 

Elinor 
(In utter bexvilderment.) 

But— 
(Mama enters hastily, right back, and Nanak slips out.) 
Oh, Marna ! What is this? Your friend is ill! 

]\{arna 
(Looking at Larola.) 
She knows! You told her? 

Elinor 
Told her — what ? 



Was coming? 



Marna 



Elinor 
W'ho — Professor Binder Sen? 



That /;<• 



Marna 
(Starting forivard, as if to stop Elinor from speaking.) 

Oh, hush! 

(As Elinor turns in zvonder from Marna to Larola, the latter 
gains command of herself and says, in a lozv, intoisc z'oice, 
but with a touch of dignity, and even pride.) 

Larola 
He is — my husband. 

Elinor 

H<?^the man ? 
Marna! You knew of this? 



LAROLA 13 

Marna 
(Falling on her knees before Larola.) 
Forgive me ! I 
Thouglit only of your happiness. 

Larola 
(Just touching Mama's bozved head with her hand.) 

My friend, 
You meant no harm. But happiness lies not 
That way. Will you go hence with me? 

Marna 
(Rising and turning to Elinor.) 

Mem Sahib — 
Tell her ! She does not know — She has not heard 
Of him in years — forbade my speaking — and 
I dared not tell. 

Elinor 

You mean she does not know — 
(She looks inquiringly at Mama, then draws a quick brcatJi, 

goes to Larola, and speaks very slowly and tenderly.) 
My dear — he has no longer any wife — 
But you. 

Larol.a. 
No wife! She has not — ? 

Elinor 

She is dead. 
(Larola draws a deep breath, then bozus her face on Elinor's 
shoulder. Elinor puts her arms about her, and they stand 
so for a moment, Marna watching anxiously.) 

Larola 
(Drawing away from Elinor and speaking zvith entire self- 
possession.) 
Come, Marna! We must go at once. W^hich door — ? 

Marna 

(Turning zvildly to Elinor.) 
Mem Sahib! Will you let it end this way? 

Elinor 
Larola ! Stay ! 

Larola 
No ! — since, to hun, the past — 
May be the past, indeed. I'll keep my dreams ! 
(Voices are heard, off right.) 

Marna 
It is too late ! They're here ! 

Larola 
(Wildly.) 

Mem Sahib! Hide, 
Oh, liido me ! 

Elinor 
(Pointing to the door, left back.) 
Marna, take her there ! You know 
The vvaj' — my little sewing-roouL 



14 LAROJ.A 

Larola 
(Who has moved quickly to the door at the first zvords, calling 
to Mama.) 

Oh, come ! 

(Larola goes out, folhmrd closely by Mania. Elinor stands 
undecided for a moment, turning from one door to the 
other. Just as the voices are heard clearly at the door, at 
right back, she hurries out, left back. Walter and 
Professor Binder Sen enter, right back, followed by Nanak, 
to whom Walter hands a bag, cloak, and other articles.) 

Walter 
Nanak, take these — and find your mistress, please. 
Tell her our guest is come. 

(Nanak bows and goes out, left back, leaving the door ajar. 
Walter turns to the Professor, who seems absorbed in 
thought, but always courteous.) 

She will be glad, 
Indeed, Professor, once again to see 
You here. We have not ceased to talk of your 
Last visit. 

Professor 
(Smiling.) 
No? Nor I to think of it! 

Walter 
(Indicating the easiest chair.) 
This chair, Professor, suits you, I recall. 

(The Professor, zuith a smile and nod of thanks, sits in the 
cltair indicated, while Walter draivs a lighter one nearer 
and sits dozvn. He goes on speaking more seriously, as 
though reverting to a conversation already begun) 
And so you know the man — this Chunder Mohan ! 

Professor 

(.Speaking zvith an evident reserve.) 
I know him well — he was my pupil once. 

Walter 
(Looking hard at the Professor for a moment, as if trying to 

penetrate his reserve.) 
You are assured — of his sincerity? 

Professor 
(After a perceptible pause, drawing a long breath and beginning 

to speak zvith an effort.) 
None question that! His character is high — 
Above reproach. Indeed, of all the boys 
I've taught and loved, perhaps I loved him most. 

Walter 

How glad my wife will be ! 

(Looking an.riously iaward door, left back.) 

I wonder what 
Is keeping her so long away. 

(He starts to rise, but at a slight gesture front the Professor, 
he glances at his face and sinks back into his chair, zvonder- 
ingly.) 



I.AROLA 15 

Professor 

My friend, 
I must be frank with you ! Your tale lias stirred 
The deeps of life which lie so far removed 
In the long past, that most of those who know 
.Me now have never guessed them. But to-day, 
Somehow, a strange sense comes to me that this 
Far distant past is here again. The fate 
Of Chunder Mohan brings it close. 

Walter 
(JJ'ith great respect and affection.) 
I would 
Not willingly have caused you pain ! 

(The Professor turns to IValter zvith a smile of tender friend- 
ship, puts out his hand and clasps Walter's for a moment, 
then continues, still ivith evident effort.) 

Professor 

You ma}- 

Have wondered at my bitterness toward caste — 

That iron cage which closes by degrees 

Upon its victims, bound in self-deceit ! 

Here is the reason. Many years ago. 

Before I gave myself to Christ, a wife 

Was mine — heart's comrade of the earliest years 

Of manhood— such a comrade as your own 

Sweet ladv is to you ! 'Twas not alone 

I took those first bold steps toward truth and freedom; 

.She was with me then. We read and talked ^ 

Together; saw the vision of the Christ, 

/\nd what his love would do for India. 

So far we went together — on the last, 

Hard day, I stood alone ! She loved me— oh, 

T am sure of that! She honored Christ. But on 

The eve of victory, she turned away. 

The iron gates of" caste had clanged between. 

(lie rises and moves about re.<>tlessly under tJie strong excite- 
ment of the memory.) 

T knew that I should be forsaken by 

Mv caste, mv fani'lv, my friends my 7^'orld — 

But that!— I had not dreamed of that. I thought 

We were irrevocably one ! My wife 

Became a widow — joined the others in 

The funeral rites — for me, who lived and loved 

Her! 

(He stands silent tvith hozved head for a moment, and Walter 
goes to him and takes his hands.) 

Walter 
Oh, my friend ! I had not known — or guessed — 

Professor 
Nor liave I ever told so much before 
To human friend. 

(After a moment's pause, he turns azcay and sits again.) 
I thouglit. at length I could, 
Perhaps, forget. T found a Christian wife. 

/'Turning appealingly to Walter.) 
You saw our home — did it not seem to you 
A happy one? 



16 LAROLA 

Walter 
My wife and I have more 
Than once recalled the peace, the harmony, 
And gentle courtesy which made your house 
A haven of relief and rest. 

Professor 
(With a deep sigh.) 
I'm glad 

It should be so remembered. But — my friend — 

Yes, I will make a full confession now ! 

I found, as time went on, although I tried 

To give my heart's full homage to my wife — 

M\' faithful wife ! — my soul grew nearer still, 

And nearer to — that other one. 'Twas pride 

That made me think I could forget. But love 

Roots deeper in the heart than pride. Do you — 

Ah, yes, I am a Christian ! — But at times 

I wonder if you westerners have dreamed 

Of woman's love like that of Hindu wives ! 

(He is Tcvalking up and down the room and now turns suddenly 
upon Walter, who is seated again, drawing close to him 
silently, and seeming to hold him by his gaze, until he is 
almost bending over him. He speaks in a low, tense voice.) 

When I was six years old, my father died. 

I saw my mother walk seven times around 

The funeral pyre — then they put the torch 

Into this hand — so small it scarce could lift 

The weight — and when my mother laid her down 

Beside the body of her lord — I gave 

The fire that released her soul — to be 

With his forever. 

(]Valter has risen slozvly. his eyes riveted on the Professor's 
tvith a sort of terrified fascination.) 

Yes — you shrink — turn pale 

With horror. Do you know, in all my life 

I have not seen a look of triumph so 

Complete, joy so exultant, as I saw 

When last I looked upon my mother's face. 

AV .ALTER 

(.4s if breaking from a spell.) 
But — that — is — ended — now ! 

Professor 
(Bowing his head.) 

Hers was the last 
Suttee permitted under British rule — 
And they were right to end it ! But I know 
That first, true wife of mine would so haA'e gone 
To death for me. And love which follows man 
To death must live beyond it. 

(Elinor enters quietly, left back, pauses a moment, and so hears 
the Professor's last words, unnoticed by him or Waltei'.) 
I know not 
If yet that comrade of my spirit lives. 
But hope grows stronger through my lengthening years 
That in the life to come we shall not fail 
To find each other — no, nor she to find 



LAROLA 17 

The Christ— and there, before his throne, we'll join 

In worship and in service, as we dreamed. 

I There is a momoit's hush: then Elinor comes STinftly doiun 
to the Professor and takes his hand in both of hers, speak- 
ing very tenderly, zvith tears in her voice.) 

Elinor 
Professor — friend — you will not need to wait 
For that. She is alive ! 

Professor 
(With a great start.) 
My wife? — you know? 

Elinor 
And more than that — she is a Christian. 



Ah! 



Professor 

Elinor 
Your faith in her is justified — and in 
Her love. 

Professor 
She loves me still ? 

Elinor 
(Standing with bowed head for an instant, then seeming to 
speak to herself more than to the Professor, zvith humility.) 

Her love — for you — 
Is wonderful ! 

(She looks up suddenly at Walter in a half-timid, half-appealing 
way, and goes to him. The Professor is silent for a 
moment, then turns to Elinor zvith great simplicity.) 

Professor 
Where is my wife? 

Elinor 

She is 
^\■ithin the house. She knows that you are here, 
But dares not come to you. She did not know 
Until to-day that you — were left alone. 

Professor 
(To Walter.) 
I have revealed to you my inmost heart! 
Need she have any fear to come to me? 

Walter 
(Brokenly, to Elinor.) 
Tell lier — my dear — to come ! 

Elinor 
(Glancing about the room.) 
Your study, dear, would be the best. Let him 
Go in and wait there. I will bring her soon ! 
(She starts to leave the room quickly, hut pauses as she passes 
the Professor, looks searchingly into his face for a moment, 
then takes his hand impulsively and bows her head o-zer it 
for an instant, as if in homage. She goes out.) 



18 LAROLA 

Walter 
(Indicating the study door, at left front.) 
Will you go in, Professor? 

(Starting to move toward the door, the Professor pauses sud- 
denly, and at his exclamation, Walter, who is just passing 
Him to open the door, turns back) 

Professor 

Wait! My friend, 
I had not thought — I am no longer young! 
It may be she will think to find — the man 
I was ! 

Walter 
If it be so, she will but learn, 
True manhood grows more beautiful with years. 
(He turns to the door, opens it, and waits for the Professor to 
pass in. The Professor seems lost in thought for a mometit, 
then perceives that Walter is waiting for him and passes 
slowly to the threshold, zvhcre he turns back once more 
and speaks hesitatingly and -with an almost boyish diffidence.) 

Professor 
Would you — not better — tell her — I am old? 

Walter 
(Smiling at the Professor.) 
And have her put no faith in any word 
Of mine forever? No! I wish your wife 
To be my friend. Professor. 

Professor 
(Smiiing fondly, murmurs.) 
Foolish boy ! 
(Pie goes into the study. Walter closes the door, then 
turns azvay and listens for a moment, -luith his eyes on the 
door, left back. Then lie zvalks restlessly across to the 
window, at right, and stands looking out absently for a 
moment. Suddenly he starts forzvard and gazes intently. 
Nanak enters, right back, and Waller speaks to him in lozv, 
quick tones without turning azvay from the zvindow.) 

Walter 
Nanak! There is a gathering next door? 

Nanak 
(Who is fairly bursting zvith nezvs.) 
Yes, Sahib — Chunder Mohan's funeral ! 

Walter 
(With a start.) 
You mean — his caste disowns him? 

Nanak 

That they do ! 
And like enough his wife will be disowned 
As well — so things look now ! 

Walter 

Why, what has passed? 
Tc-]] all you know, Nanak, and quickly! 



LAROLA 19 

Nanak 

Sahib, 
I know but little, only Lela came 
While you were gone, and this strange widow from 
Chaibassa — Marna brought her — so prevailed upon 
The girl that now she will not let them shave 
Her head — they tried to force her, and we heard 
Her screams ! — she vows that she is Chunder's wife 
Now and forever — begs to be let go ! 

Walter 

(Striding up and down in helpless rage.) 
And they are holding her? Is there no law? 

(Slops suddenly.) 
The widow from Chaibassa — ? 

(Looking tozvard the study door.) 
That must be — 

Nanak 
I know not, Sahib, who she is, but this I know- 
That Marna has some secret. Such an air 
Of mystery ! She whispered in my ear 
In passing, just outside, before you came — 
"Nanak ! We must delay the rites — and save 
The girl — for her!" 1 know not what she meant. 

Walter 
(Absently.) 
Nor I. But — what to do? I cannot break 
The spell of this reunion — now ! 

(Suddenly going to the zdndozu again.) 
Nanak ! 
It may be you can gain me entrance there ! 
I'll do what can be done to stay their hands. 
Until Professor Binder Sen — is free. 

(Elinors voice is heard at left back, and JValter, with a glance 
in that direction and toward the study door, motions to 
Nanak to follow him, and goes out, right back, Nanak fol- 
lowing. Elinor enters, leading Larola and talking gently 
TO her. Mama follows.) 

Elinor 
Larola — dear ! If j'ou had seen his face ! 
And heard his tones ! I've told — or tried to tell 
You what he said. His voice — and eyes — you must 
Know better than my words can tell. 

Larola 

(Drawing a sharp breath and speaking in a hushed voice.) 

But that 
Was long ago! Amid liis loneliness, 
His dreams reach back to earlier years ; he thinks 
Of me — as young — and beautiful. Ah, well ! 
You wonder, but — he thought me beautiful. 

Elinor 
(Casing at her.) 
I wonder — yes ! I wonder — could it be 
You were more beautiful in vouth than now ! 



20 LAROLA 

'Tis not mere dreams to which his heart turns back. 

It is the spirit of you that he loves^ 

And he will wake to find you beautiful 

Be.\ond his dreams ! 

(Larola is silent, zvondcring, and Elinor gaes to the study door, 
puts her hand on the knob, and turns baek to LaAda. 
Mama meanwhile crosses to the zvindozu and eagerly looks 
out. Elinor holds out her hand pleadingly to Larola, and 
xn'hcn Larola looks toward her, she speaks softly.) 

Elinor 
Larola — come ! 
(Larola goes slowly toward her, takes her hand, and looks into 
her face, as if to gain courage ; then Elinor opens the door 
part way, and Larola drops her hand, and after oitc more 
instant of hesitation, goes into the study. Elinor closes 
the door quickly but quietly and goes to Mama.) 

Elinor 
(Her voice is thrilled zuith azi'e and tenderness.) 

They are 
Together, Marna ! And you knew ! 

(Remembering suddenly.) 

You knew — 
Tliat he was coming here to-day ! 

Marna 

(Though she speaks in a lozvered tone, she seems to be tinder 
an increased tension.) 

I heard 
It from a Bible woman in Calcutta. 
Often she wrote to give me news of Itim^ — 
For her sake — though I dared not speak ! I, too, 
Have had my dreams ! 

Elinor 
(Wondering.) 

You dreamed of — this? 
(Glancing tozvard the study door.) 

Marna 

Of this— 
And more ! Mem Sahib, I believe, for most 
Of us, the hope of heaven is far more 
Than we deserve ! But some brave souls — and she 
Is one ! — have lived through earth to heaven ! Oh ! 
If you had watched her growing calm and strong, 
Serene and pure, loving amidst the ones 
Who did her wrong — you'd know that happiness 
Will never spoil her now ! 

Elinor 
You love her ! 

Marna 

Ah ! 
(Looking out of the windozv again, zvith sudden fierceness.) 
They did her wrong ! More than she knows — or I 
Can prove, as yet. 

(She suddenly starts forzvard, in strong excitement.) 
Oh ! Lela has -escaped ! 
(Elinor looks from the zvindozv. She is down stage front 
Mama.) 



LAROLA 21 

Elixor 
She's coming here! Oh, Marna ! Quick! The door! 
(They both start to open the door, but Nanak throws it open 
and rushes in.) 

Nanak 
Mem Sahib ! Lela is outside ! She comes — 

Lela 
(Running in and throzving herself into Elinor's arms.) 
I come to you, Mem Sahib ! Save me ! She 
Will try to drag me back — back to their chains ! 

Elinor 

(Drawing Lela down stage.) 

No ! You are free ! 

(Walter comes in quickly, and Nanak closes the door as soon 
as he is inside, and stands tvith his back against it. Marna 
follozvs Elinor and Lela down, at right. Walter comes 
down left.) 

Lela 
(Trying to steady herself, drawing a great breath.) 
I have chosen Christ — and him — 
My husband! 

(There is a sudden attempt to enter the door that Nanak is 
holding, and then a great pounding on it, and a fierce, shrill 
cry from zvithout, Nanak mcamvhile holding the door zciih 
all his might.) 

Brahman Woman's Voice 
Open ! Let me in ! 

Walter 

Nanak ! 
We must bar no one out ! Let her come in ! 
(Nanak, after an instant's hesitation, lets go the door zvith a 
shrug of disgust. Lela at the same instant falls on her 
knees, clinging to Elinor. The Brahman Woman enters 
and crosses to zvithin a little distance from Walter, after 
assuring herself by a glance that Lela is there. She speaks 
with shrill contempt.) 

Brahman Woman 
You think you would have need of bars to keep 
A Brahman woman — from your house accursed? 
No power could have dragged me to pollute 
Myself by entering, unless that child 
(Pointing fiercely to Lela, n'ho shrinks closer to Elinor. She 

addresses her next zvords to the latter, moving tozvard her.) 
Had been entrapped and led astray by your 
Deceitful wiles ! 
(She stands threateningly over Lela, who is between her and 

Elinor, still clinging desperately to the latter.) 
Now, girl, I've tracked you down 
To your low. outcast haunt— you'll come with me! 
(She starts to lay forcible hands on Lela, zvho screams and 

jumps to her feet, as Elinor draws her away. IValter steps 

forzvard quickly.) 



21 LAROLA 

Walter 
Woman ! It is our duty to protect 
This girl, who, in this room, a moment since, 
Declared herself a Christian. 

Brahman Woman 
(With a scream of rage.) 
Ah! 

Walter 
(Speaking zcith an energy and determination that coivs the 
iieoman's bravado.) 

Unless 
Before the law you prove your right, we shall 
Not suffer that a Christian man and wife 
Be parted 'gainst their will! What is your claim? 

Brahman Woman 
(Evidently seeing that her case is lost, but raging at defeat, 

bitterly.) 
My claim f My claim is that I've wasted half 
A life-time over that ungrateful wretch ! 

(Pointing at Lela, zvho has taken heart at Walter's words, but 
shrinks back at the woman's bitter scorn.) 

I might have known the taint of Christian blood 
Could not be purified ! 

( Walter and Elinor lean forward with breathless interest. 
Nanak, in the background, takes a step forzvard. Marna, 
luho has all this time been zvatching the scene \zvith intense 
absorption, puts her hand to her breast zvith a great gasp 
of relief. No one notices her, however. Lela moves a 
little forzvard, azvay from Elinor's protecting arm, becoming 
fearless in her amasenient.) 

Lela 
(Slozuly and uvnderingly.) 

Of — ^Christian — blood? 

Brahman Woman 
(More and more bitterly.) 

Since that has proved the stronger in the end — 
Stronger than all the care and pains I've spent 
To make a Brahman of you — save you from 
Your fate — you'd better know the truth. No cliild 
Of mine are }0U ! 

Lela 
(Dazed.) 
You're not my mother, then? 

Bra h man Woman 
Ha! You are glad? And so am I! Glad 
To be free from fear of that disgrace I knew 
You'd bring upon us in tlie end! 

Lela 

But how — ? 



LAROLA 23 

Brahman Wo.xrAx 
(Rapidly.) 
How was it tliat I stooped to call you mine? 
I'll tell you ! She — your mother — had been led 
Astray, as you have been. Her husband left 
His caste — his family- — to follow these 
False teachers from the west ! 

(Indicating Walter zcitli a conleniptuous gesture.) 

Lela 
(Moving farther foricard in eager zvonder.) 
My father — was — 
A Christian? 

Brahman Woman 

(Thrown into fresh rage by the azved gladness in Lela's voice 
and face.) 

On the day when he disowned 

His faith, he died — to all good ^Brahmans ! Yes, 

And to your mother, too, for she was true — 

True, outwardly, at least, to faith and caste. 

When you were born, she was a widow. 

(Elinor suddenly looks toivard Mama, and seeing the intense 
joy and satisfaction in her face, stretches out her arms 
impulsively tozvard Lela, but dratvs back as the zvoman goes 
on speaking, and zvaits, breathing hard, and poised as if for 
a quick movement forzvard.) 

But 

Her famih- — hers and mine, I almost shame 

To say — for we are cousins — 

Lela 
(With a quick, lozv cry.) 

"Are"? Oh, then, 
My mother is alize? 

Brahman Woman 
(Impatiently, as if zinshing she could zvithdrazv her zi.'ords.) 

Alive or dead, 
I know not ! But they feared she had been led 
So far by her apostate husband that 
It was not safe to trust your bringing up 
To her. She would have filled your infant soul 
With poison ! As for me — the only child 
I ever had was born and died upon 
The day when she gave birth to you. 

(Her voice becomes less harsh.) 

They brought 
You here — some three days' journey — told 
Her you were dead. She never doubted — was 
Too "ill for days to care for anything. 

Marna 
(Suddenly losing control of herself, in a loud voice.) 
She never doubted? No! There is not guile 
Enough in that pure soul to dream of such 
Black devil's work ! 

(Starting toi^vrd study door.) 
Larola ! 



24 LAROLA 

(The Brahman Woman gives a great start and shrinks back, 
gazing at the study door as if expecting to see a ghost, 
tela is too dazed to move. There is a breathless hush for 
a moment, all gazing toward the study door. The door is 
opened from zvithin, and Professor Binder Sen and his 
wife appear. At sight of them, the Brahman Woman falls 
back, gasping for breath. Lela unconsciously brings her 
hands together as in an attitude of prayer and gazes with 
a reverential awe at Larola. No one speaks. The Professor 
and his wife come into the room and stand waiting, at left 
front.) 

Brahman Woman 
(Struggling for breath ) 
'Tis a plot ! 
(Turning to Elinor.) 
You brought them here — to take my child from me ! 

(To Walter.) 
Oh. pity! Sahib! She is mine! Since her 
Third day, I've nursed her, clothed her, cared for her — 
And loved her ! Surely mine is greater right 
Than Iters — ■ 

(Pointing toward Larola.) 

Who only gave her life ! 

Larola 

(Moving a step forzvard, gazing at Lcla zvith an absorbed wonder 
and inability to believe the truth entirely. .She speaks low 
and wondcringly.) 

My child? 

My daughter? 

(Lcla starts to mnz'e quickly to Larola. hut the Brahman JVovian 
steps forzvard and intervenes.) 

Brahman Woman 
W^ait ! 
(Grasping Lela's arm, she turns to JFalter.) 
Sahib — you talk of law — 
Is this your law? To let a child forsake 
A mother who has loved her all her life 
For one who never looked upon her face 
Until this moment? Say! 

Larola 
(Sceminq Iiardlv to hear the zuonian's voice.) 
My babv? You? 



I never knew — 



Professor 
(Softly.) 



Walter 
(Answering the zvoman.) 
It is for her to choose. 
Lela must choose herself which one shall be 
Her mother now. 

(The zvoina)i fakes a firmer grip of Lela's arm.) 

And she must be left free 
To make her choice alone ! 



1.AR01.A 25 

(The zvoDian umvillingly releases her hold and dran's back a 
little, aivcd, in spite of herself, by JValte/s tone of au- 
thority. Lela, after a barely perceptible pause, goes to 
Lor la with not even a backivard look. She moves slondy, 
but as if in reverence, not in doubt. Larola takes a step 
forward to meet her and folds her in her arms. Lela's 
head rests on her bosom, and Larola bows her ozvn over it. 
There is silence for a moment. The Professor stands with 
bozi'cd head; Walter, also. Elinor, Mama, and Nanak are 
all watcliiiig the Brahman Woman, xvho follows Lela's move- 
ments tensely until she is in Larola' s arms, then turns away 
in evident despair and moves uncertainly toward the door, 
right back. Nanak quietly goes to the door and holds it 
open. The zvoman turns just a.<r she reaches the door, holds 
her arms out blindly for an instant tozvard Lela, then, draw- 
ing her chuddcr oi'er her face ivith a gesture of despair, 
she goes out. Nanak goes out after her, closing the door 
softly. Elinor breathes a sigh of relief, and Walter looks 
up, sees that the woman is gone, and crosses to Elinor's 
side. Lela lifts her head and looks into Larola's face.) 

Lela 

(Softly.) 

You, then, are twice 



Mv mother ! 



Larola 



(Taking Lela's face befzveen her hands and marveling over her.) 
You! 

Lela 

You are the mother of 
My soul ! This very hour, but for you, 
I had been lost. You saved me ! As I give 
Myself to Christ. I dedicate to you 
The years to come. 

Larola 

(Turning to the Professor, happily.) 

And to your father, child ! 

(The Professor has moz'ed behind them until, zvhen Larola 
speaks, he is a little to the right of Lela, as she turns to 
him, and a little up stage, so that the three are partly facing 
Elinor and Walter. Lela turns to the Professor and puts 
out her hand slozvly, looking zvonderingly into his face. He 
takes her hand in both of his and draws closer to her. Lela's 
other arm is around Larola. Larola looks from one to the 
other.) 

s Larola 

We three — together! 

Professor 
We shall join, on earth, 
Jn worship, and in service, as we dreamed. 



26 LAROLA 

Walter 

(Stepping forward zvilli hand outstretched to the Professor, joy- 
fully and solemnly triumphant.) 

So. once again, Christ breaks the bonds of caste ! 

(The Professor takes his hand, but zvithout dropping Lela's.) 

Elinor 

(Starting to join the group, but pausing, looking straight out, 
and speaking as if she had seen a sudden vision.) 

So shall all India be free — at last ! 



THE END. 



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